Athletic Director

Chicago Public Schools • Chicago, IL

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The School Athletic Director oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive high school athletics program. The role reports to the Principal and works under the direction of the Executive Director, Sports Administration. The Athletic Director administers athletic programs and events; maintains required records; advises school administration on athletics policies and regulations; evaluates program needs and outcomes; and plans for program development and equitable opportunities for students.

The position manages athletic department operations and finances, including budgeting, purchasing, fundraising, ticket sales, contracts, scheduling, transportation, event logistics, eligibility verification, and coordination with district and community partners. It supports student-athletes’ academic performance through monitoring, academic support mechanisms, and oversight of Individual Study Plans for academically at-risk students.

The Athletic Director recruits, recommends, supervises, and evaluates coaches and other staff; ensures required clearances and certifications; supports professional development; and provides leadership and on-site assistance for practices, games, and events. The role also supports facility operations, safety, maintenance, and compliance, and builds positive relationships with students, families, school staff, volunteers, community organizations, and external agencies.

The role requires a non-traditional schedule that includes evening and weekend hours based on school needs, with after-school coverage for practices, games, and events. Employees must establish and maintain residency within Chicago’s geographic boundaries within six months of hire and throughout employment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least five years of experience in interscholastic sports, such as coaching or athletic program administration.
• At least three years of experience in sports program administration, encompassing two or more major responsibilities such as athletic director or athletic program coordinator duties.
• Reliable transportation access.
• Successful completion of all Illinois High School Athletic Association (IHSA) trainings.
• Strong understanding of relevant athletic administration rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Ability to coordinate and manage all aspects of an athletic program, including financials.
• Ability to effectively recruit and motivate student-athletes and coaches.
• Ability to make rational decisions under stressful conditions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), Google Suite, and web content editing software.
• Establish Chicago residency within six months of hire and maintain residency within the City of Chicago throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

• NIAAA Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA).
• Completion of Developing Competitors and Mental Wellness through Positive Coaching offered through the Positive Coaches Alliance.
• Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Administer extracurricular athletic programs, activities, and events.
• Maintain records required by policy, regulation, law, and best practice, including athlete records, eligibility, physicals, transfer paperwork, transportation requests, and coaching certifications.
• Respond to information requests from organizations and offices including OSA, IHSA, FOIA, Title IX, the Law Office, colleges, and the press.
• Implement board policies and advise school administration on athletics-related regulatory matters.
• Assess department needs in consultation with students, staff, and parents, including equipment, budgets, transportation, venue upgrades, and technology.
• Evaluate athletic programs and conduct long-term planning, including program offerings, Title IX requirements, and staffing needs.
• Develop and update handbooks, brochures, policy manuals, and rules governing athletic activities in alignment with district policies and procedures.
• Inform the school community about athletic programs through websites, email, media, and social media.
• Stay current on research, issues, and regulations related to athletics, including academic, racial, gender, and socioeconomic issues in sports.
• Develop and maintain grade-check systems and submit eligibility reports and participation lists weekly.
• Develop and update team schedules on school platforms for public viewing.
• Oversee transportation for team travel and arrange transportation for athletic contest participants.
• Develop a safety plan for each home venue and oversee the athlete insurance program.
• Complete incident reports for injuries, from minor to traumatic.
• Organize departmental awards and recognition, and coordinate public or special events such as Homecoming, senior days, award ceremonies, and fundraisers.
• Monitor student-athletes’ academic performance and oversee Individual Study Plans for academically at-risk athletes.
• Develop academic support mechanisms for student-athletes, such as study halls, advising, and postsecondary guidance.
• Direct and coordinate athletics fiscal operations in consultation with the Principal and in accordance with district policies and procedures.
• Support athletics-related fiscal planning and advise the Principal on budgets, purchases, capital improvements, and contract agreements.
• Assist with preparing, monitoring, and managing the athletics budget; coordinate purchasing.
• Recommend capital improvements and negotiated contract agreements, formulate contract and bid specifications, and consult on selection of supplies and materials.
• Supervise ticket sales and fundraising events, and administer receipt and disbursement of student activity funds.
• Assist OSA with hiring and payment of coaching staff.
• Supervise and guide parent volunteer organizations.
• Create schedules for department operations and activities and issue timely announcements of events and deadlines.
• Schedule and pay officials, athletic trainers, ticket takers, announcers, clock operators, and police for home contests.
• Hire, schedule, and supervise lifeguards for aquatic sports and ensure timely submission and approval of timekeeping records.
• Verify athlete eligibility for each contest and arrange visiting-team needs as appropriate.
• Provide for emergency health care and first aid treatment.
• Arrange field, gymnasium, and aquatics center practice schedules, including summer programs and, where applicable, non-school use of facilities.
• Manage contracts for athletic contests and coordinate stadium usage with CPS and facility agreements with Chicago Park Districts.
• Recommend, supervise, and evaluate athletic support staff, trainers, coaches, and student workers.
• Recruit, screen, interview, and recommend prospective coaches; make coaching assignment recommendations.
• Ensure coaches and staff meet CPS and state certification requirements and have appropriate clearances or staffing status before each season.
• Develop and apply a coaching evaluation system; support coaching staff professional development; monitor staff attendance at professional meetings.
• Investigate complaints regarding employee conduct or performance, resolve staff problems, and support coaches.
• Provide leadership for district athletic objectives and help coaches with daily issues, including on-site support and supervision during games, events, and after-school practices.
• Coordinate development, implementation, review, and revision of the athletic program; attend practices and games for evaluation and needs assessment.
• Attend professional conferences and participate in state and national associations.
• Enforce equal educational opportunity policies and develop an effective, comprehensive, and equitable athletic program for male and female students.
• Advise on program modifications to meet individual students’ academic and health needs; investigate complaints and grievances.
• Support facility management and day-to-day operations; secure facilities after use and events; inspect buildings, grounds, machines, and equipment.
• Issue repair orders and maintenance specifications; assess equipment safety and obsolescence; enforce occupational health and safety standards.
• Oversee swimming pool cleanliness, safety, and sanitation; recommend field watering and spraying schedules; oversee repairs and replacement of defective parts.
• Assist with construction project specifications and identify and use community resources, including procuring team space outside CPS facilities.
• Establish a positive image for the department in the school and community and support feeder programs.
• Plan and supervise an annual athlete recognition program; maintain contest results, award-winner records, and scholarship announcements.
• Conduct in-season team meetings to review student codes of conduct.
• Maintain professional relationships with parents, parent groups, volunteers, and outside agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level